I have a 2000 Honda Rancher 4X4 ES. It runs excelent when temp is above 40. If temp falls below 30, then it will not even try to start. Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions? I have had it in the shop 6 times with no results. Also, priming the carburetor does not help. The bike only has 442 miles on it.

 

If you are sure your choke is working and you have tried priming it, I would try checking the spark while cranking? If it is not even firing at all when you crank you may have a problem with your ignition module, coil, plug wire or spark plug. If you do have spark then go back and try priming it with a small squirt of starting fluid just to see if it tries to start then. If it fires or starts then the problem is fuel related. Could be as simple as a speck of dirt in the idle circuit. It only needs fuel and ignition to run (and air). One or the other is lacking. You just have to find which it is to be able to correct it.

 

cbell34110 I don't think i can help with your problem because I don't own one. but i do have a friend that I ride with and he has one just like yours but not sure if his is a 2000 or 2001. He has about 1500 miles on his and his works flawlessly. he has took his through deep deep water where the water almost covers the quad lots of times. also his starts on the first push of the button and idles while it warms up no matter how cold it is outside even if it is 30 below. and also his has not been to the shop once. I hope you find the problem with it so you can ride it again. later buddy from #1 stunning madmike

 

I also have the 2000 rancher ES 4x4, and can fire it right up in sub zero weather with just the choke. i beleive i,ve read somewhere where the rancher has the fuel pre-heater for cold weather starting, you may want to try to find someone who,s familiar with this system.it might help

 

There is also a primer button on the bottom of the carb.

 

My sons yamaha breeze acted the same way,I checked and tried everything thats been talked about so far,finally I checked and adjusted the valves and now it starts great when cold.

 

I have a 2001 Recon that has always been the same way. I figured out that full choke without touhing the throttle will get it started, Then I have to play with the choke and throttle for a good 5 minutes to keep it running......... then all works good.
My 6 yaer old has an E-ton 50 that has an auto choke. Fires right up and runs like its 75 degrees out. Honda could learn something from that........

 

I have no problem starting in paticular in cold weather on mine, I did put a larger main jet in for winter use, but that has about zillch to do with starting. Make sure it's in nuetral, kill switch is centered, hit the prime a good three times after it's been stored for a while, choke and fire it up. If it's cranking slowly do to thick oil use a lighter grade, 5w30 is suitable if the ambient temperetures don't exceed 30 degrees or so.

 

Once last year in 25 deg weather I had to crank my Rancher until the battery started to fade--fortunately it finally started. Then I saw someone else post about turning the key on for five minutes or so before cranking to let the carburetor heater warm things up a little. Haven't had a chance to test it below 40 yet but it seems to work better and it sounds logical--the heater wouldn't have a chance to help at start unless it has already been on.

 

A little note about that carb heater, it'll suck a battery up along with the ignition coil in couple hours, I've not tested the exact amount of time, but beware of leaving the key on for more than a few minutes.